Claremont Landscape Garden features in new National Trust podcast
Claremont Landscape Garden features in new National Trust podcast
A garden fit for Bridgerton…
In its latest podcast series, the National Trust has shone a spotlight on Claremont Landscape Garden and how it was one of the most well-known gardens of its time, home to influential owners and glamourous society parties.
Entitled ‘A Garden Fit for Bridgerton’, the episode follows presenter James Grasby as he is joined by Rebecca Wallis, National Trust curator for the London and southeast region, and Claremont’s head gardener Graham Alderton. They embark upon a walk around the stunning garden, sharing tales from Claremont’s heyday and the Georgian trends that inspired Bridgerton’s dramatic stories.
Rebecca Wallis explains how in the 18th century, places like Claremont were important for the well-heeled to socialise and be entertained. These garden parties were the social network of the period; the place to be seen and connect with the right people and advance themselves up the social circle.
The podcast also explores Claremont’s historical significance in charting the origins of the English landscape garden movement, its four influential designers and the key features of the garden they created and altered to create the garden you see today.
Images provided by the National Trust
With its stunning views and proximity to London, Claremont is a popular retreat for many in the local area of southwest London. Visitors may overlook some of its features like the amphitheatre, lake and Nine Pin Alley and may not be aware of its illustrious 300-year history. This podcast adds a fascinating new dimension to Claremont and perhaps an opportunity to step back in time and be part of the glitz and glamour of the period.
In the words of James Grasby: “Now, when I visit wonderful gardens and admire them for the vistas, the architectural features, the winding footpaths, those secret corners and shaded walkways, I shall imagine the setting as the backdrop to a great party, a Buckingham Palace Garden Party meeting Glastonbury. And as I’m watching the next episode of Bridgerton, I shall look past the lavish costumes and the dancing and the scandal a little and pay more attention to another star of the show, the setting.”
‘A Garden Fit for Bridgerton’ can be downloaded from the National Trust website HERE.
Claremont Landscape Garden is located on the Portsmouth Road, near Esher.
The National Trust is a charity with a love for preserving historic places and spaces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In short, they’re a conservation charity that protects over 350 historic houses, 160 gardens, 1,100 kilometres of coastline, 254,000 hectares of land of outstanding natural beauty, 6 World Heritage Sites, 28 castles and 60 pubs – and opens them for people like you to enjoy. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk
